Lakshman Falls for Vibhishana

Indrajit was dead, and Ravana's grief turned straight into battle. A new force marched out from Lanka's gates — Virupaksha, Mahodara, and Mahaparshva, three commanders sent in quick succession against Sugriva, Angada, and the other vanara leaders. One after another they fell, each fight costing the allied army dearly even in victory.

At last Ravana came out himself, riding his own chariot into the field. His arrows filled the sky so thickly that the vanara companies were driven backward until Ram stepped forward to meet him directly.

In the fighting that followed, Ravana hurled a spear of terrible power straight at Vibhishana — his own brother, standing now with Ram's army. Lakshman moved without hesitating, placing himself in front of his new ally, and the weapon struck him instead. He fell where he stood.

Ram's grief broke over him at the sight, but the healer Sushena would not let despair settle in. Lakshman's life could still be saved, he said — there was still time, if the right herbs could be found on the mountain far to the north. Once again, as before, Hanuman went for them. He reached the mountain and returned before it was too late, carrying its whole glowing summit rather than risk choosing the wrong plant.

With the fragrance of the herbs around him and Sushena's care, Lakshman opened his eyes.

He had stepped in front of a spear meant for someone the army had only just begun to trust. That trust, at least, no longer needed proving.